Report: T.J. Otzelberger headed for Iowa State

[jsb]

It’s okay to question. But at the end of the day he will win more than 97 games in six years. In fact he will win more than 97 games in the next 5 years.

We have no idea if he will.

97 wins in 5 years is 20 wins per year. We’ve had maybe one coach that has averaged that in their career. You really want to bet TJ will be the next one.

 

[madguy30]

For me it's the fact that it seems like there wasn't really a process, at all. Just hiring TJ without looking at all the options available, and a quick hire in this case looks really bad given the fact that no other programs are beating down TJs door for an interview.

Not saying it's going to be the same but wasn't CMC's hiring process similar?

Got hired the week after the last game in 2015.

 

[CYdTracked]

Someone just texted me to remember what Pollard said in his video today "don't believe anything unless you hear it from me." Makes you wonder if he knew this rumor was already out there? I know Pollard is quick to make hires but even for him this one seems a bit hasty if the story is true. We shall find out soon I guess. I haven't seen any notable national outlets report on this yet which makes you wonder if the reporting is accurate.

 

[CycloneErik]

When it is plain to see in four years this hire was a failure Pollard will dig in like he did with McDermott. ISU basketball is in a lot of trouble going forward. The start of the TJ era is terrible because, at least on social media, there is a decent split with fans on this. There is basically no middle ground. Several excited, several upset.

'Many aren't upset, just disappointed.

 

[dahliaclone]

For me it's the fact that it seems like there wasn't really a process, at all. Just hiring TJ without looking at all the options available, and a quick hire in this case looks really bad given the fact that no other programs are beating down TJs door for an interview.

I agree, but Pollard could have reached out to a handful of candidates and for whatever reason maybe they just weren't interested or their salary expectations were too high.

 

[WhoISthis]

Why aren’t you a P5 AD again with your extensive knowledge and resume when it comes to hiring CBB coaches?

You’re resorting to false authority? Jesus gunner, the hire is that bad?

I’ve never hired a 0-18 coach, that I had to fire two years after extending him.

As I’ve stated numerous times, there are things to like about TJ. With a good spring I think he could work. But it’s undeniable that Jamie is prone to blind spots with guys he wants to hangout with on the weekend.

 

[jsb]

Reminds me of the Hoiberg hire.........

A bit. With Hoiberg no one had any idea.

TJ has a track record. It’s average at best.

 

[CyLyte2]

Someone just texted me to remember what Pollard said in his video today "don't believe anything unless you hear it from me." Makes you wonder if he knew this rumor was already out there? I know Pollard is quick to make hires but even for him this one seems a bit hasty if the story is true. We shall find out soon I guess. I haven't seen any notable national outlets report on this yet which makes you wonder if the reporting is accurate.

They aren’t denying it.

 

[CYEATHAWK]

It’s okay to question. But at the end of the day he will win more than 97 games in six years. In fact he will win more than 97 games in the next 5 years.

Really. He has been head coaching for 5 years now and has 96 wins.

 

[Clonehomer]

When it is plain to see in four years this hire was a failure Pollard will dig in like he did with McDermott. ISU basketball is in a lot of trouble going forward. The start of the TJ era is terrible because, at least on social media, there is a decent split with fans on this. There is basically no middle ground. Several excited, several upset.

What was the last ISU hire to not be split?

 

[Rabbuk]

You’re resorting to false authority? Jesus gunner, the hire is that bad?

I’ve never hired a 0-18 coach, that I had to fire two years after extending him.

Gunner is a troll, you may occasionally agree with his trolling but he just takes the position that will rile people up the most. I say that as a 100% gunner fan.

 

[RonBurgundy]

I'll say this - I have nothing in particular against TJ but he's not a proven winner yet. If this report is true, then it entirely wreaks of nepotism.

I will want to know what's going on, but if JP just rushed for this - not only is it not good but I have lost a lot of respect for him as a human being for basically making a nepotism play.

I don't think this means what you think it means.

 

[DSM4Cy]

Lol, social media. They panned the Hoiberg hire too.

I LOVED the Hoiberg hire (it was daring) but I’m just not as sold on TJ. More experience, has been a head coach, but can he make us elite again? Very different feeling for me than 10 years ago.

 

[istater7]

I would have no problem with TJ, but I’m not a fan of completely nixing the process and leaving out any other candidate.

 

[Psyclone Brian]

I like T.J. just fine... But for crying out loud, in only his 2nd year at UNLV, he finished in 7th place! (under .500) That schools' name sells itself!
...hoping the stuff I'm hearing now about Dana Altman entertaining the idea to interview is all B.S.
Well, go Cyclones.

 

[ClonesTwenty1]

It could be UNLV leaking it out.

This is exactly what’s happening

 

[WhoISthis]

Everyone who seems to think TJ was a foregone conclusion - any sources?

I don't doubt he was a top 3 candidate, most likely THE top candidate - but what's to say we didn't reach out to 3-5 other options at the same time? Do you really think it's that far-fetched to think those guys either A) weren't interested, or B) wanted much more than we could afford?

IF this news is true, I'm not convinced we didn't at least reach out to others to at least offer interviews. Hell, it's not even unfathomable that we DID interview a few others - zoom interviews are still a thing, and contrary to popular belief they do happen while guys have other jobs...

Either way - while not super excited about this hire (again, IF true), I'll support him and doubt we have another 0 conference win season.

It’s JP. He wanted to give a first time head coach a top-10 roster without a search. You think he made an earnest effort to get another guy this time?

 

[NorthCyd]

Huge risk for Pollard - I don't get it with so many other options out there.

Which option isn't a risk?

 

[Rabbuk]

I don't think this means what you think it means.

He used nepotism completely correctly. Like textbook definition correctly.

 

[jsb]

Really. He has been head coaching for 5 years now and has 96 wins.

And I bet he won’t get that at Iowa state in 5 years. He won’t have mike daum.